Talk About Oak Harbor: Seeing beauty and reverence in Japan

I recently spent three weeks in Yokohama, Japan. It has been the home of my daughter, her husband and their four children for almost three years. My husband was with me for the first ten days.

We arrived just before Easter. Our other two grandchildren were already there with their mom. Spring break for both families coincided.

On Good Friday we visited the seaside area of Kamakura. Three temples and the Great Buddha later, my feet and legs were hurting. These areas are beautiful, especially during Cherry Blossom time. However, each place of reverence is many steps up and those same steps back down. Plus, I was not yet adjusted to the 13-hour time difference. Thankfully my husband took many pictures which help me to remember.

Before returning to Yokohama we walked along the beach. That was fabulous! The breeze was just enough, the sun was warm and the water was just right. We took off our shoes. Those of us with long pants rolled them up and we played. The kids especially enjoyed this part of the day. We found shells, rocks, sea glass and even a starfish to bring back as souvenirs.

On Monday, the kids in Japan went back to school and the other family flew back home. My husband and I were able to help by picking up the two youngest from school that day.

We were able to fish in the Tokyo Bay on a charter boat thanks to a friend of our daughter. She told us where to meet, sent us a video of the method used for fishing and acted as translator for us during the trip. That was a unique experience I would happily do again.

We also enjoyed many different types of food. Of course, Japanese. But during the day our daughter took us to an Indian restaurant and a Thai-Vietnamese fusion restaurant. Both were excellent. In fact, after my husband returned home, we revisited them both.

My husband was also able to enjoy his favorite Oyster stew. We bought the oysters at the grocery store.

That is another interesting experience. Food is expensive in Japan. Fruits are very costly. Vegetable prices vary. The array of vegetables is amazing. During my three-week visit, I had ample opportunities to visit the grocery. My daughter has four kids and no car. She takes a stroller with her and fills it for the trip home. Fortunately there are two convenience stores across the street from their apartment building. They stock all the essentials and great ice cream treats. I think someone from our apartment visited one or both daily.

We shopped. So much shopping! I didn't buy as much as on previous visits but still needed to borrow a suitcase for the trip home.

I also covered a tea box with Washi paper. This is an actual tea box made with cedar and lined with tin. The Washi paper is handmade and then printed. I chose two patterns. It was a very detailed and challenging project that took all day. The instructor was very patient and helpful. We returned a few days later to varnish the boxes. The finished product is lovely though not perfect.

I plan to visit Japan at least one more time before they leave that country. It is an amazing place of both the very modern and the very old. The visits have been enriching to me.

Linda Hartigan writes about the Oak Harbor community. Call her at 419-898-1645.